Isles Day to Day: Ho-Sang Recalled From Bridgeport

Ho-Sang led Bridgeport in points, Christopher Gibson was returned on loan to Sound Tigers

Josh Ho-Sang was recalled from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Sunday morning.

Ho-Sang had 22 points (2G, 20A) in 26 games for the Sound Tigers, leading the team in both assists and points. The Islanders 2014 first-round pick (28th overall) was second in the American Hockey League in assists at the time of his recall. Christopher Gibson was returned on loan to Bridgeport in a corresponding move.

"I'm just grateful for another opportunity to be here," Ho-Sang said after practicing with the Islanders at Northwell Health Ice Center on Sunday. "I'm really excited, I want to help the team in any way I can."

This is Ho-Sang's first recall since being loaned to Bridgeport on Dec. 15, 2017. Already armed with an offensive creativity, Ho-Sang was tasked with improving his all-around game, which by team accounts, the 22-year-old has done.

"He deserves the call up," Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello said. "What he's done is made a conscientious effort to work at being a complete player, working at both sides of the puck and being more defensive minded."

Ho-Sang's recall does not guarantee an immediate roster spot. Lamoriello said the Islanders would not have recalled Ho-Sang had the team been "100% healthy." The GM also announced that Tom Kuhnhackl and Luca Sbisa are day to day, while Anders Lee and Scott Mayfield took maintenance days on Sunday.

Head Coach Barry Trotz said the Islanders injury situation will determine if Ho-Sang plays and where he slots in the lineup, but like Lamoriello, the Islanders coach has received good reports about Ho-Sang on and off the ice.

"He's been working on the areas of the game we want him to work on," Trotz said. "The intensity shift to shift, a little bit of the d zone, those types of thing, the systematic details. I think he's been pretty consistent down there for them and has made strides."

Ho-Sang, who has 18 points since Nov. 2, said he's just looking for an opportunity to prove himself to the new regime.

"I just want to play and play hard," Ho-Sang said. "I want to make sure that they can trust me and in return I'll be able to create offensively."

LEE, MAYFIELD TAKE MAINTENANCE DAYS:

Anders Lee and Scott Mayfield both took maintenance days on Sunday, while Tom Kuhnhackl and Luca Sbisa are both considered day to day, per Lamoriello.